Complete resolution of erythema elevatum diutinum using oral sulfasalazine

Dermatol Online J. 2017 Oct 15;23(10):13030/qt8267v8v9.

Abstract

Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a rare, chronic small-vessel vasculitis that presents as firm, red, violaceous, or brown papules and nodules on the extensor surfaces of the limbs. Oral dapsone is considered first-line therapy for EED; in the current case report, a patient presenting with EED began dapsone treatment and symptoms subsided within two weeks. Seven months later, the patient became pregnant and stopped dapsone owing to her concerns with dapsone use during pregnancy, resulting in recurrence of EED symptoms. We present a novel treatment approach with oral sulfasalazine, which was given to the patient in lieu of dapsone and resulted in complete resolution of EED symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Sulfasalazine / therapeutic use*
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / drug therapy*
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Sulfasalazine

Supplementary concepts

  • Erythema elevatum diutinum